The Lion Scouts is a pilot program created to introduce a new Cub Scout program for boys age 5 or in Kindergarten and their adult partners. The program is focused on parent planning and delivery with support from the Cub Scout pack using literature specifically designed for the younger age group (Lion Scout Adult Guide and Lion Scout Adventure Guide). The Adult Guide contains a detailed plan for each month’s curriculum and breaks down each section into Family/Den Activities, At-Home Activities and Grand Adventures.

Historic Notes

From the beginning of Cub Scouting in the US, until 1967, there was a Cub Scout Rank called Lion, but it was for 11 year olds, and was replaced by the Webelos rank.

In fact, WeBeLoS originally meant "Wolf Bear Lion Scout", rather than the current "We'll Be Loyal Scouts"

Pilot Program

Lion Scouting was released by the National Council as a national pilot program in 2016 with 198 participating councils across the country -- it was not rolled out to each council, but rather each council could choose whether or not to apply to join the pilot program. During the year, Adult Partners are be asked to provide answers to detailed survey questions and provide feedback on each month’s theme, plans and activities. The primary curriculum/educational outcomes are for parents/Adult Partners to learn the basics of youth development using Scouting’s proven tools for raising happy, healthy children; the outcome for kids is to discover the fun of Scouting at an earlier age.

The Lion Scouts pilot program will ultimately be evaluated based on retention of youth in the program. The initial results will be tabulated based on the number of youth registering as Tiger Cubs with a targeted retention rate of 75%. In addition to Tiger Scout registration, attendance at camp and advancement will be measured. At the end of the year, the entire program curriculum will be evaluated based on parent/Adult Partner surveys, evaluations and other observations by the local council staff. If warranted, the program will then be expanded to a larger area to test the initial results of the first year of the program.

The Cub Scout adventure begins with the Lions using a program of exciting indoor and outdoor activities designed for kindergarten boys and their adult partner. Adults are there as a support and guide, and allow the new Cub Scout to discover the activities and consequences under adult supervision. He will learn by doing these things himself. And as he learns and grows the relationship with him will grow as well.

At the end of the school year, he will graduate to Cub Scouts as a Tiger. Then with each following year he will advance through the Cub Scout program as a Wolf, then Bear, then finally as a Webelos Scout.

Who are Lion Scouts?
· Lion Scouts are kindergarten boys
· Lion Scouts join with a parent / adult partner
· Lion Scouts form dens of 6-8 Cub pairs
· Lion Scouts dens are part of a Cub Scout pack
· Lion Scouts may wear a special Lion t-shirt and Hat to their activities
· Lion Scouts move to the next Cub Scout level (Tigers) at the end of kindergarten

The goals of the Lion Scouts program

To strengthen Scouting’s position in the community

To reflect the diversity of our communities

To offer greater support for children and their families

To introduce children and their families to the fun of the outdoors

To provide extended learning opportunities outside of school

Lion Scout Family benefits

Offers age-appropriate activities each month

Provides value for families

Enhances quality family time

Provides a forum for adult interaction

Encourages positive interaction between Scouts

Strengthens parenting skills

Introduces families to Scouting Goals of the Lion Cubs Program

Pack Coordinator Position Concept

Serves as the pack’s representative to the Lion den.

Lead and promote Lion recruitment programs in your pack.

Assist with the transition of Lions to Tigers at the end of the Kindergarten school year.

Completes evaluation of the Lion program.

As a parent or caring adult, you want your Lion Scout to grow up to be self-reliant and dependable, worthy and caring. Scouting has these same goals in mind for him.

Lion Scout requirements

Complete each of the following Tiger required adventures with your den or family:

Lion Cubs Kindergarten Pilot Frequently Asked Questions

PILOT PROGRAM

1. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY “PILOT”?

The National Council has released this program to almost 200 councils across the country as a response to a growing need by parents for a Kindergarten-age boys program. Strict guidelines have been set for participation, timing, program delivery, training and feedback that will be used to develop and refine (or possibly reject) this as a new BSA program

2. HOW DOES THIS PROGRAM DIFFER FROM OUR CURRENT CUB SCOUT PROGRAMS?

This new program is focused on parent planning and delivery, with youth participation. The primary curriculum/educational outcomes is for parents (learning about the basics of youth development, and Scouting’s proven tools for raising happy, healthy children), and the outcome for kids is to commit to the FUN of Scouting at an earlier age.

No! The only allowance for recruitment of kindergarteners within the entire BSA is within this pilot program, and only after completing all necessary commitments and requirements.

4. OUR NEW MEMBER SIGN-UP IS THIS WEEK. SHOULD WE ADD KINDERGARTNERS TO OUR FLYERS?

No, Lion Scouts should be recruited separately from your regular fall roundup. Lion Scout recruitment flyers, order forms and Pack Recruitment Materials are available for your pack from your District Executive. A special Lion recruitment presentation is available to give just the information on Lions instead of all of the Cub Scouting program that regular members receive.

5. HOW WERE COUNCILS CHOSEN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PILOT?

Council leadership was asked to make a commitment to support the Lion pilot program and recruit a Council Lion Coordinator who would handle communication and feedback from the packs to the council.

6. ARE PACKS GUARANTEED INCLUSION IN THE PILOT PROGRAM AFTER RECOMMENDATION?

No, pack leadership must make a commitment to follow the program (as written), recruit a Pack Lion Cub Coordinator, and complete all requested feedback forms.

PILOT PROGRAM REGISTRATION DETAILS

1. IS THERE A LION SCOUT APPLICATION FORM?

Lion Scouts and their adult partner use the BSA “Youth” application. Applications must be complete with both youth and adult partner information. Please write “LION” in the TOP RIGHT CORNER.

2. WHAT IS THE COST OF REGISTRATION?

The same National fee for the Lion pair (Kindergarten boy and adult partner) will apply.

3. CAN LION CUBS ORDER BOYS’ LIFE MAGAZINE?

Yes

4. Some PACKS CHARGE ADDITIONAL FEES TO COVER PACK ACTIVITIES. MAY WE CHARGE LIONS AND THEIR ADULT PARTNERS THIS EXTRA FEE?

No, Lion Cubs should not be charged any additional fees at the time of registration. If your pack invites them to a pack activity (i.e. Holiday Party, etc) and there is an additional charge you may consider asking them at that time. Remember, Lion Scouts should only be invited to two or three pack meetings.

5. HOW WILL LION SCOUTS AND THEIR ADULT PARTNERS RECEIVE THEIR CURRICULUM?

Curriculum, T-Shirts, and Hats will be made available to National Supply Scout Shops and Council ran Scout Shops at the time of their approval as a Pilot.

LION CUB PROGRAM DETAILS

1. WHAT IS THE UNIFORM FOR LION CUBS?

Each Lion Scout will be able to purchase a T-Shirt and a optional Cap from their Local Scout Shop.

2. HOW ARE LION CUBS RECOGNIZED?

Instant Recognition Stickers are included in the Lion Scout activity book.

3. HOW OFTEN SHOULD LION CUB DENS ATTEND PACK MEETINGS?

Lion Cubs and their adult partners may be invited to two or three pack meetings – possibly a holiday party, Blue and Gold and Graduation in May or June.

4. WHEN DO LION CUBS TRANSITION TO TIGER CUBS?

A Scouts rank year runs from June 1st to May 31st of every year.

5. SHOULD LION SCOUT FAMILIES PARTICIPATE IN FRIENDS OF SCOUTING AND The POPCORN OR UNIT PRODUCT SALE?

Lion Scouts and their adult partners are not required nor encouraged to participate in FOS or popcorn sales.

6. ARE LION SCOUTS ELIGIBLE FOR ANY OTHER RECOGNITION (IE

ADVENTURE LOOPS, ETC.)?

KIS-MIF (Keep it Simple, Make it FUN) applies to Lion Scouts. This curriculum was developed as an age appropriate program for Kindergarten boys and should not be confused with other Cub Scout programs. This pilot program is focused on parent planning and delivery, with youth participation. The Pack Lion Cub Coordinator should “coordinate” with Lion families, not lead as a den leader.

7. SHOULD LION SCOUTS PARTICIPATE IN THE PACK PINEWOOD DERBY?

In keeping with a limited number of pack meeting attendance and the age-appropriate curriculum, we would recommend that the Lion Cubs do not build their own pinewood derby (something to look forward to as a Cub Scout.) You may invite the Lion families to attend and provide sample cars for them to race.

8. HOW DO PACK LION COORDINATORS REGISTER?

Coordinators should register as a Den Leader on a BSA “Adult” application. They may be “dual” registered. Please write “LION CUB COORDINATOR” under the words “ADULT APPLICATION”.

9. SHOULD LIONS PARTICIPATE IN PACK CAMPING PROGRAMS?

Think age-appropriate activities. We would recommend that Lion Cubs wait until they graduate to Cub Scouts to participate in camping activities. They will participate in many Grand Adventures with their Lion dens throughout the year.

10. I’VE RECEIVED REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION FROM SCOUTERS WHO ARE NOT PART OF OUR PILOT PROGRAM (INCLUDING THOSE FROM OTHER COUNCILS), MAY I SHARE INFORMATION WITH THEM?

No, each Council is responsible for applying to the Pilot Program.

What's next? 2017-2018

Additional uniform option: although the Lion T-shirt is still the required uniform (along with the optional baseball cap), Lion Scouts may purchase a Cub Scout blue button-down uniform shirt/pants as desired for special occasions and pack ceremonies.

New printed Lion material: will be available for the 2018-2019 year.

More den participation: Lion families may desire to participate in more than the 2-3 required pack meetings, and packs should strive to find ways to include lion dens along with the other dens, as appropriate.

Pinewood Derby: Packs may, if they so choose, involve a Lion den in the Pinewood Derby. Lions may not use tools, but might perhaps buy the precut wedge kit (item #614417) or could instead make cars out of vegetables, attaching the wheels to potatoes or cucumbers, etc., using the Lion Veggie Car Derby Flyer.

Fundraising: Individual families may choose to fundraise, if they want. If Scout popcorn is sold, Show and Sell is preferable -- door-to-door selling would require a parent at their youth's side.